Definitions General Skating Skills Transitions/Linking Footwork /Movements In addition to the Technical Score each of the Judges will evaluate the Couple s whole performance which is divided into five (5) Program Components in the Short Dance and Free Dance (Skating Skills, Transitions/Linking Footwork/Movements, Performance/Execution, Composition/Choreography, Interpretation/Timing). Overall skating quality: edge control and flow over the ice surface demonstrated by a command of the skating vocabulary (edges, steps, turns etc.), the clarity of technique and the use of effortless power to accelerate and vary speed. Balance, rhythmic knee action and precision of foot placement Flow and effortless glide Cleanness and sureness of deep edges, steps and turns Power/energy and acceleration Mastery of multi-directional skating Mastery of one foot skating Equal mastery of technique by both partners shown in unison The varied and or intricate footwork, positions, movements and holds that link all elements and constitute the distinct technical content of the dance. Variety Difficulty Intricacy Quality Balance of workload between partners Variety of holds (not excessive side by side and hand in hand) Source File name: Handbook for Referees and Judges 2013 final Page 14 of 39
Definitions Performance/ Execution Composition/ Choreography Performance The involvement of the Couple physically, emotionally and intellectually as they translate the intent of the music and the choreography. Execution The quality of movement and precision in delivery. This includes harmony of movement. Physical, emotional and intellectual involvement; Carriage Style and individuality/personality Clarity of movement Variety and contrast Projection Unison and oneness Balance in performance between partners Spatial awareness between partners management of the distance and management of the changes of hold An intentional, developed and/or original arrangement of all types of movements according to the principles of proportion, unity, space, pattern, structure and phrasing. Purpose (idea, concept, vision) Proportion (equal weight of the parts) Unity (purposeful threading) Utilization of personal and public space Pattern and ice coverage Phrasing and form (movements and parts structured to match the phrasing of the music) Originality of purpose, movement and design Shared responsibility in achieving purpose by both Conformity to pattern and stop requirements (Short Dance only) Source File name: Handbook for Referees and Judges 2013 final Page 15 of 39
Definitions Interpretation/Timing The personal and creative translation of the rhythm and/or character and content of the music to movement on ice. Effortless and movement in time to the music (timing) Expression of the music s rhythm, character, content and style Use of finesse 1 to reflect the nuances of the music Relationship between the partners reflecting the character and content of the music Appropriateness of the music Skating primarily to the rhythmic beat for Short Dance and keeping a good balance between skating to the beat and melody in the Free Dance 1 Finesse is the Skaters refined, artful manipulation of nuances. Nuances are the personal artistic ways of bringing variations to the intensity, tempo, and dynamics of the music made by the composer and/or musicians. Marking Program Components are evaluated by Judges, after the completion of a program, on a scale from 0.25 to 10 with increments of 0.25. Points given by the Judges correspond to the following degrees of the Program Components: <1 - extremely poor, 1 - very poor, 2 - poor, 3 - weak, 4 - fair, 5 - average, 6 above average, 7 - good, 8 - very good, 9-10 - outstanding. Increments are used for evaluation of performances containing some features of one degree and some of the next degree. Guidelines for judging are published and updated in ISU Communications. The mark for each Program Component is established at a certain degree according to the majority of Characteristics of Program Component which are met. This mark is further adjusted, if necessary, according to the Adjustments to Program Component. Source Rule 611, b) (ii) Communication 1677 File name: Handbook for Referees and Judges 2013 final Page 16 of 39
Category: Subject: Ice Dance Marking guide for Program Components Drafting consequences of amendments to designation of marks as per Communication 1738 are highlighted. Characteristics of Program Components (source: Communications 1677 and 1738) RANGE OF MARKS 10.0 9.00 OUTSTANDING 8.75 8.00 VERY GOOD 7.75 7.00 GOOD 6.75 6.00 ABOVE AVERAGE SKATING SKILLS deep, quiet, sure, seemingly effortless edges deep/fluid knee action elegant and precise steps/turns seamless use of all directions effortless acceleration extensive skill range for both strong, sure, fluid edges supple knee action stylish, precise, interesting and neat steps/turns ease in accelerating even during difficult steps always multidirectional broad skill range for both strong, sure, confident edges strong, flexible knee action polished & clean steps/turns good use of multi directions ability to accelerate easily wide skill range 75% of time for both reasonable, sure edges above average knee action above average variety of steps/turns, all directions with ease 75% of the time gain and maintain speed and flow easily above average skill range for both TRANSITIONS/LINKING FOOTWORK/MOVEMENTS difficult, intriguing, varied network of edges, steps, turns, holds for both one move flows seamlessly into the next creative pattern and lobes difficult, varied, sequences of edges/steps/turns/holds for both throughout one move flows easily into the next superior ice coverage variety and complexity of pattern/steps/turns/holds for both fluid and intentional movements from one move to another varied use of holds with face to face positions difficulty and variety of edges/steps/turns for both for 75 % of time minimal use of cross cuts or running some breaks in continuity varied use of holds with a predominance of face to face positions PERFORMANCE/EXECUTION move as one, superb matching elegant /sophisticated style refined line of body and limbs precise execution of body movements both spellbinding projection exceptional (to audience or in themselves if music requires) coordinated movements, excellent matching very good carriage and lines effortless change of difficult holds project strongly move as couple, matched with ease easy use of change of all holds good carriage/lines both project most of time above average unison, move as couple 75% of time above average line of body and limbs and good carriage both are able to project 75% of time COMPOSITION/CHOREOGRAPHY wide range of steps, moves, and required elements superbly motivated by music ingenious use of music, space, symmetry memorable highlights distributed evenly change of pace/tempo incorporated seamlessly total utilization of personal and public space completely unified dance (SD): superior choreography, clearly understandable variety of innovative moves that develop theme change of pace/tempo incorporated with ease excellent use of music/space/symmetry completely unified dance (SD): 90% interesting moves derived from theme good use of music/space/symmetry unity of skaters in use of music content directed to all sides of the rink completely unified dance (SD): 80% known and some interesting creative moves that use rhythm(s) effectively above average variation of speed according to music above average distribution of highlights use of creative set-ups for required elements above average use of ice pattern completely unified dance (SD): 70% skaters/music/nuances as one motivation from heart wide range of inspired movements, gestures skaters stay in character for the whole program exceptional ability to relate as one and to reflect music, theme superb expression of the music s style and character timing: skaters and music meld internal motivation very good range of interesting movements/gestures excellent ability to relate as one to reflect music/theme excellent expression of the music s style and character timing: skating/music integrated good internal motivation skaters stay in character for over 75% of program good partner relationship good expression of the music s style and character timing: skating fits music well movements in character 75% of time skaters able to play with music partner relationship 75% of time above average expression of the music s style and character timing: 90% 5.75 5.00 AVERAGE moderately sure edges some variety of knee action/steps/turns even speed and flow throughout average skill range for both series of variable edges/steps/turns and poses/holds for both limited use of cross cuts or running average use of holds with many face to face positions unison broken occasionally average carriage/lines with some breaks consistent, pleasing line of body and limbs projection skills variable but both are able to project variable moves often related to theme and music program highlights generally well distributed but focused occasionally to one side interesting composition average use of change of pace average use of ice pattern variation of speed according to music completely unified dance (SD): 60% slight difference in motivation of moves average use of accents/nuances average expression of rhythms or theme average emotional connection to music reasonable partner relationship timing: 80% File name: Handbook for Referees and Judges 2013 final Page 17 of 39
Category: Subject: Ice Dance Marking guide for Program Components Characteristics of Program Components (source: Communications 1677 and 1738) RANGE OF MARKS 4.75 4.00 FAIR 3.75 3.00 WEAK 2.75 2.00 POOR 1.75 1.00 VERY POOR SKATING SKILLS shallow edges with variable edge quality and knee action fair range of steps/turns, multidirectional 50% of time skill level similar abilities consistent speed and flow 50% of time some flat edges limited knee action, stiff at times few steps/turns, able to skate in all directions on simple turns and for some difficult turns; variable skills for both and occasionally differing ability lack of flow, some change in speed short and poor steps/ flat edges little power, toe pushing or wide stepping more than 75% of time few steps/turns, able to skate in both directions on simple turns only variable skills with one weaker in sections short and very poor steps/edges slow, little flow, toe pushing few steps/turns, mainly in one direction minimal variation in speed very poor basic skills with one being carried in sections TRANSITIONS/LINKING FOOTWORK/MOVEMENTS an equal proportion of simplicity and difficulty one partner has some sections with simple workload varied use of holds with several face to face positions 50% some basic edges/steps some simple turns/poses/holds one partner performs difficulty and other on 2 feet in some sections little use of partner facing hold simple linking of Pattern Dance Elements and rest of the dance (SD) many parts have basic edges/steps simple turns/poses/holds one partner performs difficult moves and other on two feet 75 % of time many sections in hand-in-hand or side by side hold, minimal use of partner facing holds simple linking of Pattern Dance Elements and rest of the dance (SD) predominance of stroking/simple turns/poses many large sections in hand-in-hand or side by side hold only very poor linking of Pattern Dance Elements and rest of the dance (SD) PERFORMANCE/EXECUTION unison sometimes broken carriage /lines variable, mostly pleasing posture reasonable line of body and limbs only one projects or both only 50% of time variable unison variable line of body and limbs/carriage /extensions holds relatively stable only one projects 50% of time or both only occasionally project inconsistent stability of holds and some unison breaks poor line of body and limbs/carriage/extensions limited projection skills, both cautious struggle in holds and unison out of unison very poor matching very poor line of body and limbs/carriage/extensions very limited projection skills COMPOSITION/CHOREOGRAPHY program corresponds well with music elements generally well distributed but sometimes too much emphasis to one side of the rink completely unified dance (SD): 50% some isolated groups of moves that fit music/theme music is background for difficult elements often program directed to judges side reasonable placement of elements on surface completely unified dance (SD): 40% some moves do not appear to fit music/theme, minimal relation program to music lack of change of pace program directed to judges side completely unified dance (SD): 30% many moves do not appear to fit music little relation program to music mainly program directed to judges side placement of moves lacks coherence monotonous completely unified dance (SD): 20% skating fits music with minor exceptions some motivated moves moderate use of accents and nuances expression of the music s style and character partner relationship 50% of time timing: 70% expression of Rhythms (SD): 90% some motivated moves, but often seem meaningless appropriate use of music but expression is fair and they weave in and out of character some partner relationship timing: 70% expression of Rhythms (SD): 75% poor use of accents and nuances occasional partner relationship unmotivated movement timing: 50% expression of Rhythms (SD): 50% inappropriate dynamics moves seem unrelated to rhythm/character little or no partner relationship timing: 25% expression of Rhythms (SD): less than 50% 0.75 0.25 EXTREMELY POOR extremely poor steps and shaky edges mostly on two feet for both uncontrolled movements struggle with steps/turns: always in one direction extremely poor basic skills for both cannot gain speed basic stroking and poor posing throughout few sustained edges, and pattern consists of straight lines mostly use of hand in hand or side by side hold extrelemy poor linking of Pattern Dance Elements and rest of the dance (SD) unstable holds, uncontrolled matching and unison extremely poor line of body and limbs/carriage/extensions projection skills lacking, both labored most moves do not appear to fit music total program directed to judges side placement of moves appears random some areas of ice untouched and often use of straight lines or barrier skating completely unified dance (SD): 10% lacks dynamics isolated and apparently random gestures not related to music character/nuances/accents no partner relationship, two solos timing: less than 25% expression of Rhythms (SD): less than 50% Notes: Under Interpretation/Timing, the characteristic timing means: - skating primarily to rhythmic beat, - program well synchronized with musical phrasing, If a Fall affects the rest of the program or part of the program, certain characteristics of one or several Program Components may be impacted. File name: Handbook for Referees and Judges 2013 final Page 18 of 39
Adjustments to Program Components in Short Dance (source: Rule 609 and Communications 1677, 1738, 1782 and 1805) SKATING SKILLS (OUTSIDE OF REQUIRED ELEMENTS) Skating with hand(s) on ice at any time including during introduction and/or conclusion: Loss of Balance or Stumble: CHOREOGRAPHY FULL STOPS: - 0.5 PER NON PERMITTED FULL STOP TYPE NUMBER DURATION Beginning of program During program (including end) Dance Spin or spinning move PATTERN: - 0.5 PER VIOLATION General direction Placement of loop Crossing the long axis SEPARATIONS: - 0.5 PER NON PERMITTED SEPARATION Junior: not more than 2 Senior: not more than 1 in addition to stop included in 2FS Not more than 1 on top of the above permitted stops 10 sec. Season 2013/14 Junior if 1 stop: 10 if 2 stops: 5 each No restriction Season 2013/14 Senior 5 Constant for whole program but: loops, Not Touching Circular Step Sequence, can be in either direction (clockwise or anticlockwise) Must not cross the long axis. Note: for Junior Short Dance, one loop within no more than 20 meters of the barrier and crossing the Long Axis to connect the two PDEs is allowed. Not permitted except once at each end of the rink within no more than 20 meters of the barrier. Note: crossing the Long Axis while performing the Not Touching Step Sequence is allowed. PERMITTED PURPOSES DURATION DISTANCE BETWEEN PARTNERS Beginning of program 10 sec. No restriction End of program 10 sec. No restriction To change hold To perform NtMiSt, NtDiSt, NtCiSt or STw Separations during the permitted stops 1 measure of music Duration as of the permitted stop 2 arms length PATTERN DANCE ELEMENT NOT STARTED ON REQUIRED BEAT: - 0.5 PER ELEMENT The Pattern Dance Elements must be skated in strict time to the music with the start of Step #1 of: both Pattern Dance Elements Quickstep (if they are not skated one after the other), the first PDE Quickstep (if they are skated one after the other), Pattern Dance Element Finnstep Section 1, on beat 1 of a four measure musical phrase. File name: Handbook for Referees and Judges 2013 final Page 19 of 39
Adjustments to Program Components in Free Dance (source: Rule 610 and Communications 1677 and 1738) SKATING SKILLS (OUTSIDE OF REQUIRED ELEMENTS) Skating with hand(s) on ice at any time including during introduction and/or conclusion: Loss of Balance or Stumble: CHOREOGRAPHY FULL STOPS: - 0.5 PER FULL STOP TYPE NUMBER DURATION During program (including beginning and end) SEPARATIONS: - 0.5 PER SEPARATION No restriction 5 sec. PERMITTED PURPOSES DURATION DISTANCE BETWEEN PARTNERS Beginning of program 10 sec. No restriction End of program 10 sec. No restriction To execute intricate footwork 5 sec. 2 arms length Stops during program 5 sec. IF THERE IS A STORY OR THEME IN THE PROGRAM AND IT IS NOT CLEARLY UNDERSTANDABLE TO THE AUDIENCE: - 1.0 TO - 2.0 THE MUSIC DOES NOT HAVE AN UPLIFTING EFFECT: - 1.0 TO - 2.0 Note: violation of music restrictions mentioned in Rule 609, paragraph 1.c) are not penalized under Interpretation/Timing but as a specific deduction (see Rule 353, paragraph 1.n) (ii)) File name: Handbook for Referees and Judges 2013 final Page 20 of 39